4. English Proficiency Requirements For a Graduate Degree in Hispanic Studies
Applicants whose first language is not English and who have not obtained a degree at an English-language institution must furnish evidence of their proficiency in the use of the English language. In the Hispanic Studies Graduate Program this is an exit requirement, and must be completed in order to graduate.
The following English-language proficiency tests are currently accepted:
- The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The minimum acceptable score is 86, with no individual score below 20 for the Internet based version; 213 for the standard electronic version; or 550 for the paper and pencil version.
- The International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) of the British Council. The minimum acceptable score is 6 out of 9.
- The Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) of the University of Michigan. Students must have at least 80 on each of the sections and an overall average score of at least 85.
- The Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL Assessment). The minimum acceptable score is 60.
- CultureWorks Program at Western. The requirement is successful completion of the High-Advanced level.
- Fanshawe College ESL Program. The requirement is graduation from Level 10, English for Academic Purposes, with a minimum 80% in all components.
In exceptional cases, the Graduate Committee may allow students to take university courses offered in English to complete this requirement. The recommendation is that these courses have Canadian content.
